Planners are asking people to voice their opinions on the best location for the new hospital, which is due to open in 2019.

To help integrate its development within the local community and improve the decision making process.

The list includes 11 new locations in addition to the current premises of Bootham Park Hospital which closed down in October 2015, leaving patients with just five days’ notice.

The closure came as a result of a sudden inspection undertaken by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) – a UK healthcare regulator.

The investigation found Bootham Park Hospital to be unfit for purpose and inspectors claimed patients were at “significant risk of harm” under the supervision of staff in the Yorkshire health facility.

As a result, responsibility for mental health and learning disability services transferred to Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust on October 1st 2015 in order to improve the quality of the services provided at the hospital.

The NHS will also be revising the number of beds required within the hospital as well as optimising the design of the building to allow for the provision of improved care for vulnerable patients who will eventually reside there.

Since its autumnal closure, patients have been forced to seek alternative care arrangements including help from community groups and some have even been forced to venture as far as Middlesbrough to receive support.

During the interim period, an adult inpatient unit is planned to open in Peppermill Court this July in order to lessen the impact of the hospital’s absence on vulnerable people in the area.

Whilst this news is devastating for all those involved, it is also a reassuring reminder of the hard work completed by the Care Quality Commission in protecting the wellbeing of people suffering from mental health issues.

NHS staff must learn from the mistakes made at Bootham Park Hospital and make significant improvements to the way in which patients are treated.

Failing to do so will only intensify the issue of negligence being faced by countless people in the UK suffering from mental health issues and learning disabilities.

Encompass help people on a daily basis to deal with enduring mental health illnesses and learning disabilities by providing services such as respite care, supported living and day care support.

Find out how the Encompass team can help you or a loved one by clicking here.